The history of Jeep – from 1941 to today

This page describes how the Jeep brand developed. If you want to know which code belongs to which model year, the model overview with series, codes and model years will help.

1941 marked the beginning of the Jeep® adventure. Ever since, the brand has stood for adventure, passion and freedom – and the engineering behind these vehicles is what connects them to their owners.

Willys MA and MB (1941–1945)

In 1940, in the middle of the Second World War, the United States commissioned an off-road vehicle. The requirements were precise: 272 kilograms of payload, a wheelbase under 190 cm, height under 91 cm, an engine running smoothly from three to 80 kilometres per hour, a rectangular body, four-wheel drive with low range, a folding windscreen, three individual seats, driving and blackout lights, and a kerb weight below 590 kilograms.

The Willys MA emerged in 1941 – and with it the Jeep brand. In the years that followed, the Willys MB served in the war. Based on the MA and upgraded to army specification, it was a rugged vehicle on a short wheelbase.

Jeep CJ2A (1945–1949)

When the war ended and no army vehicle was required, Willys turned to a civilian model. The Jeep CJ2A was used in agriculture. It differed through a spare wheel mounted on the side of the rear, larger headlights and an external fuel filler.

Willys Wagon and Willys Pickup (1946–1965)

The successor served families: the Willys Wagon, the first all-steel station wagon, with seven seats. The Willys Pickup followed in 1947 and, with a payload of one tonne, suited agricultural work. It was fitted with a six-cylinder engine and a 299.7 cm wheelbase.

Jeep CJ3A and CJ3B (1948–1968)

The Jeep CJ3 was the first model to convince on both function and appearance. The last CJ2 models were sold and the Jeep brand spread beyond the United States. Visually it closely resembled its predecessor but differed through a one-piece windscreen and a sturdier rear axle. It kept the original L-head four-cylinder engine.

Jeep M38 and M38A1 (1950–1963)

The Jeep M38 was built for the Korean War, based on the CJ and intended for military service. It replaced the Willys MB in 1950. It is distinguished by a reinforced frame, stiffer springs, sealed engine and transmission venting, and a revised brake and fuel system.

Jeep CJ5 to CJ8 (1955–1986)

The Jeep CJ5 holds a special place in Jeep history, as it stayed on the market longer than any other Jeep model. It stands out through the rounded shape of its front wings, a longer body and wheelbase, and improved axles, engines and drivetrain. It also offered greater seating comfort and further design lines.

The CJ6 brought more space, built with a larger load area. Compared with the CJ5 it had a longer wheelbase; otherwise it closely resembled its predecessor. In 1965 the new Dauntless V6 was introduced for the CJ5 and CJ6, doubling the output of the four-cylinder. Later all Jeep CJ models were fitted with the AMC V8.

In the 1970s the Jeep CJ7 emerged as a combination of CJ5 and CJ6. Most notable are the slightly longer wheelbase, the automatic transmission and considerably more comfort. It was marketed with six different AMC engines. The CJ series ended with the CJ8 (1981–1986), which had a longer wheelbase and a removable cab.

Jeepster (from 1948)

The Jeepster appeared in 1948, the last vehicle in the phaeton touring style. It had an open body with loose, button-in side panels and a 2.6-litre six-cylinder engine.

Jeep Gladiator SJ (1963–1971)

The Jeep Gladiator brought together everything a pickup needed. With plenty of power and load space, it was also produced with power steering and automatic transmission. Buyers could choose a 305 cm or 320 cm wheelbase, a Dana 20 transfer case and Dana 44 front and rear axles.

Wagoneer and Cherokee SJ (1963–1991)

The Jeep Cherokee SJ was aimed at younger, adventurous Jeep enthusiasts. Its sporting looks, adjustable seats and steering wheel design set it clearly apart from its predecessors.

The Grand Wagoneer arrived in 1984 as an upgrade of the Wagoneer and was built until 1991. Its woodgrain side panels are unmistakable. The model established itself as a luxury vehicle.

Jeep Cherokee XJ (1984–2001)

The Jeep Cherokee XJ was the most-produced Jeep model. Light and agile, it made an outstanding SUV both off-road and on. Notable was the introduction of the Command-Trac four-wheel-drive system and the Quadra-Link coil-spring front axle. The 1989 Limited model came with a 4.0-litre inline six.

Is the Wagoneer a Cherokee?

No – but the names overlap in several ways, which is why the vehicles are regularly confused. In short: SJ is a large platform built from 1963 to 1991, while XJ is an entirely different and considerably smaller vehicle introduced in 1984.

• Wagoneer SJ (1963–1991) – the large body-on-frame platform. From 1984 the top trim carried the Grand Wagoneer name.
• Cherokee SJ and Cherokee Chief (1974–1983) – the two-door version of the same platform. Technically a Wagoneer.
• Cherokee XJ (1984–2001) – a newly engineered, much smaller vehicle with unibody construction. Not related to the SJ.
• Wagoneer XJ (1984–1990) – not a separate series but a trim level of the Cherokee XJ. Which is why the Wagoneer name appears on a vehicle that has nothing to do with the SJ.
• Grand Wagoneer WS (2022 onwards) – the name revived after more than thirty years. Again a standalone full-size model, and technically unrelated to any of its predecessors.

For parts sourcing this matters: "Wagoneer" can refer to three completely different vehicles. A 1988 Wagoneer is either a Grand Wagoneer on the SJ platform or a Cherokee XJ in Wagoneer trim – and since 2022 the name exists for a third time. None of the parts are interchangeable between them. When in doubt, the VIN decides.

Jeep Comanche MJ (1986–1992)

The Jeep Comanche offered a large load area as a compact pickup with cab. Structurally it matches the Cherokee XJ. The bed was built in six- or seven-foot lengths, on a long or short wheelbase.

Jeep Wrangler YJ (1987–1995)

The Wrangler YJ replaced the CJ series in 1987. It remains the only Wrangler with rectangular headlights and retained the leaf springs of its predecessors. The body grew wider and the centre of gravity lower, which made on-road behaviour noticeably calmer.

Jeep Grand Cherokee ZJ and ZG (1992–1998)

The Grand Cherokee ZJ was the first SUV with a driver airbag and was regarded as a comfort vehicle. Features such as Quadra-Trac and disc brakes moved it into the luxury class.

Jeep Wrangler TJ (1996–2006)

The Jeep Wrangler TJ was built on the foundations of the CJ series and laid the groundwork for the off-road line. It is characterised by a four-link coil-spring suspension, front airbags, a folding windscreen, removable doors and round headlights. Hardtop or soft top could be chosen.

The 2003 Wrangler Rubicon proved exceptionally well equipped: Dana 44 differentials front and rear, a 4:1 low-range ratio and further options. From 2004 the Wrangler Unlimited offered more on-road comfort along with extra load space and legroom.

Jeep Grand Cherokee WJ and WG (1999–2004)

The Grand Cherokee WJ brought a new design. The interior was updated with a navigation system and two-tone black trim, the tailgate enlarged, the headlights repositioned and the rear wipers improved.

Jeep Cherokee Liberty KJ (2002–2007)

Entirely newly engineered, the Jeep Cherokee KJ – sold as the Liberty in the United States – was the first model with the new generation of PowerTech petrol engines and rack-and-pinion steering, and the first Jeep to return to independent front suspension.

Jeep Grand Cherokee WH and WK (2005–2010)

The Grand Cherokee WK was the third generation of the series and offered improved on-road performance with strong off-road credentials. It was built with double-wishbone independent suspension, a trailing-arm live axle as before, and improved noise and vibration insulation. The 5.7-litre HEMI V8 added to on-road comfort.

Jeep Commander XH and XK (2006–2010)

Drawing on the Grand Wagoneer and inspired by the Grand Cherokee WK, the Jeep Commander is recognisable by its clean lines, three different traction systems, three engine options, electronic stability control and seven seats in three rows.

Jeep Compass and Patriot MK (2007–2017)

A compact SUV: the Jeep Compass MK is based on a front-wheel-drive platform and combines agility with a high level of comfort. The Jeep Patriot takes a more traditional outdoor approach. Both are available with front- or four-wheel drive and include off-road features such as lock-brake technology.

Jeep Wrangler JK (2007–2018)

The Jeep Wrangler JK arrived as successor to the TJ. It was the first Wrangler available as a four-door and the first in the series with a large load area. It offers a longer wheelbase, more space, a new body design, greater safety and comfort, and better fuel efficiency. Sahara models received an upgraded hardtop, and in 2012 a new 3.6-litre Pentastar engine was introduced. Rubicon models have a disconnecting front sway bar and reinforced axles for greater articulation off-road.

Jeep Cherokee Liberty KK (2008–2014)

The Jeep Cherokee KK looks entirely different from what came before, with an angular design. For many owners it was their first Jeep. It came with the Sky Slider fabric roof, hill descent and hill start assist, and the Selec-Trac II four-wheel-drive system.

Jeep Grand Cherokee WK2 (2011–2021)

The Grand Cherokee WK2 combines the best of both worlds, on road and off. It offers lower fuel consumption than its predecessors along with better build quality, a new body design, greater safety and more interior comfort. The headlights are narrow and the seven-slot grille gives the front a rectangular appearance. It was available up to a 6.4-litre V8 petrol engine.

Jeep Cherokee KL (2014 onwards)

The fifth generation of the Cherokee breaks with the familiar muscular, rugged look. The KL convinces with flowing lines, elongated headlights and the seven-slot grille.

Jeep Renegade BU (2014–2018)

Largely developed and built in Europe, the Jeep Renegade has been produced since 2014. It belongs to the mini-SUV class and is also designed for off-road use. Its styling recalls the legendary CJ models and gives it a distinctive presence.

Jeep Compass MP (2017 onwards)

Thoroughly revised, the Jeep Compass appeared in Europe in 2017 with power, sharp styling and comfort. Unlike before, the headlights are no longer round but elongated within the narrow grille. With variants such as the 1.4-litre MultiAir petrol and the 2.0-litre Multijet diesel it is a popular choice. Available with a six-speed manual or nine-speed automatic.

Jeep Wrangler JL (2018 onwards)

With the Wrangler JL, Jeep stays true to the concept. This fourth generation is again available as a two- or four-door. Lightweight construction means the model weighs several kilograms less. A 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder and a 2.2-litre Multijet II CRD turbodiesel are offered. Unlike its predecessor, the vehicle comes with LED lighting.

Looking for parts for a specific model? The model overview takes you straight to the right category. And if a part is no longer available, our page on parts sourcing and remanufacturing will help.